The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1887-02-17
JOHNSON CITY, TENN. THURSDAY FEBRUARY Il, 1887.


training in the theory and practice of
eaching, They have done much to
popularize and systematic our public
schools, thereby making them much
more efficient. In department of
school economy is there Il greater
waste Of public money than in the
employment of unframed, unskilled,
and consequently incompetent teach
ers.
RECOMMENDED that this shall receive
due consideration, and that suitable
appropriation be made that will ena-
BILE the State Superintendent to do
much more than has been done in
this direction.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE,
Located at Knoxville, one Of the most
hourishing cities of the State, and pos
sessing advantages surpassed by those
of no other institution in the South,
should give to our young men
that practical education to which it
was at first intended to be chiefly de-
voted. 1t should be practical school
for practical training, and not an ideal
institution for a constituency that
does not exist. 1t should be q State
school for the people of the State, and
its aims should be specific and def
mite, and not general Its manage
ment should be so changed as to fulfill
its legitimate purposes and to meet
the wants of the many, and not Of the
few alone.
I therefore recommend and urge the
necessity of such legislation as will ef-
feet thorough reformation of this in
stitution to the end that it may be
speedily restored to its former pros
perity. The fact that our Public
School System is, for the want OF
funds, insufficient to meet the educa-
tional necessities of the people, fur
nishes so much the greater reasons
why we should cherish every institu-
ton Of learning in the State, both pub
lie and private.
The Schools for the Deaf and Dumb
and Blind must have, as l trust they
will receive, due consideration. The
reports OF the Principals OF these in
stitutions will be placed before you, as
well as those ofthe special committees
appointed to visit them. and from
these the immediate wants can be de
termined and suitable legislation had
AGRICULTURE.
Whatever may be said to the con
trary. regard the Bureau Of Agricul
ture as one of the most important de
partments OF the State Government
1t has for its object the promotion oI
the best interests OF the people in res
pect to the cultivation and improve
ment of the soil, the production OF the
grains and grasses, dairying, stock
breeding, the dissemination Of usefu
information among the people, the de
velopment of the mineral and Other
resources OF the State, and the genera
advertisement of our great materia
advantages with view to the acquisi
tion of immigration and capital from
abroad. 1t is, therefore, your highes
duty, as representatives of the people
to sustain and perpetuate it, and place
it, by favorable legislation, upon thC
broadest possible basis of usefulness
| recommend that the usual appropri
alton be made for its annual support.
THE AsYLUMs FOR THE INSANE.
These institutions are the embodi
|
ments ol the sweetest charities of th'
State. They are the practical expires
r sions Of the broadest humanity of
Christian civilization.
] | cannot too highly commend thu
: management OF those already in oper
= ation--the East and Middle Tennessee
, Asylums-in charge, respectively, O
Doctors Campbells an Calender
. The West Tennessee institution, nea
: Bolivar, is now in course OF erection
1 recommend that the amounts ask
i ed the management Of the East Ten
u nessee Asylum for its current expense
c for the completion OF its grounds; a
so for the payment Of some debts nee
: essarily incurred for finishing; ais
the amount necessary for the currer
expenses of the Asylum for the Mic
d die Division also the amount requi
n ed for the completion of the Wes
+ Tennessee institution, be appropriat
!. ed.
J PRISONS AND CoNvICTs.
q 1t is the desire OF our people of bot
@ political parties that our convicts sha
be so disposed of as that their labC
n shall not be brought into competitio
Il with paid labor, and thatin pursuanC
% of the idea the present lease systel
70 should be abolished, and some 9th,
"a system substituted in its stead VIII,
that shall be has not been set forth